Decorate and Fold a Paper Fan

In Korea, paper fans are used in a traditional dance called buchaechum, which is often performed by groups of female dancers wearing colored hanboks (Korean traditional dress). Through dance choreography and movement, the fans express the beauty of nature by creating impressions of flowers, butterflies, and water.

Materials

• 4 sheets of 8 ½ x 11-inch white paper
• Tape
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Glue
• Markers or colored pencils

Optional Materials

• Paint
• Water bowl
• Small sponge or brush
• Plate
• Stencils
• Stamps and ink pad

Directions

1. Gather your art supplies and find a good working space.
2. Lay two sheets of paper next to each other horizontally with the shorter edges touching.
3. Tape the touching edges together to make one long piece of paper. Repeat with the other two sheets of paper to make two long pieces.
4. Flip your taped pieces of paper over (so the tape side is down), and decorate each paper using colored pencils or markers.
5. Optional: use paint, stencils, stamps, and ink to decorate. Be sure to let your paper dry before proceeding to the next step.
6. Place your two papers front to back with the decorated side on the outside. Cut out a rounded fan shape, using your pencil to create a guide if needed.
7. Glue your two sheets together.
8. Fold your fan using an accordion style fold, start with a ¼ inch fold at the edge and then flip your fan over and make another ¼ inch fold. Repeat until you reach the other end of your fan.
9. Pinch an inch of paper at the bottom, and use tape to hold the pinched paper in place: this is what you will use to hold your fan.
10. You can now use your fan for a fan dance, for decoration or to cool yourself off.